CLASSICS

For the past five years I have been involved in three unique projects. All three feature a particular 'temple' or 'building' from the golden age of Greece (before Alexander the Great and Hellenism). The projects are the result of an idea that is as unusual as it is unique. It is the creation 'outside of academia' of three classical Greek masterpieces in architecture - incorporating the published and unpublished research of two specialist archaeologists, historian and a highly specialised Greek architect.

Above: the recreation of the Acropolis in classic Greek antiquity. Zig zag path approach to the Propylaea.

Above: the later recreation of the Acropolis showing the ramp approach.

The Erechtheion is the specialist subject of archaeologist Dr Alexandra Lesk who not only produced her doctoral thesis on this building - but also produced a block by block CAD model with mechanical engineer Dr Paul Blomerus.

My reconstruction of the Erechtheion is based on his CAD model - but goes much further in modelling the Ionic volutes in fine detail. Also, the particular friezes that now only exist as fragments. It looks at - as well as 'proposes' the design of the 'Pandroseion' - beside the Erechtheion.

As well as theoretical architectural considerations - 3D gives us plenty of play when thinking about 'what may have been'. It also means that we can continually adjust the existing model to test new structural propositions that we can evaluate for accuracy and probability. The project is 'ongoing' and will be for years to come, as we consider new research into the anatomy of this wonderful temple to Athena.

The temple of Athena Nike is the specialist subject of archaeologist Peter Schultz. For two years Peter and myself have set out to reconstruct not only the temple - but the famous parapet that surrounded it on the Acropolis. This project has now set the standards for my approach in reconstruction. A detailed overview of the project is featured on the Maxon website as well as our own extensive online project: www.nikeisnow.co.uk

Of course you cannot model a classical temple out of context. This has resulted in modelling the whole of the Acropolis from the period of 5th century Athens. The project has also produced an 8 minute pilot documentary (available online) that look s at the long lasting influence of Nike and her physical representation in our culture today. Nike was adopted and adapted - especially by religion and folklore.

The Thymele at Epiduarus. Our third project is a collaboration between historian Dr Bronwen Wickkiser (who has contributed articles to the project), Peter Schultz (on Thymele archaeology) and finally, specialist architectural scientific advice from Greek architect: John Svolos in Athens.

This is the 'Thymele' in the sanctuary of Asklepius at Epiduarus. It has architectural features not seen in any other classical Greek building. It has taken our combined effort over eighteen months for me to model the Thymele - as well as the temple of Asklepius and the Abaton - all of which occupied the central area of the sanctuary. In particular John Svolos contribution to the accuracy of the model has been invaluable. The reconstruction as well as the whole historical project is now online.

The three projects are available to view online to all students of history, archaeology and architecture as well as the public who also have a great interest in classical antiquity. Licences to publish are negotiated on an individual basis for commercial, academic and documentary use.